Daily GK Update- 5th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Represents at Funeral of Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain represented India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. They paid their respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, was laid to rest.

 

2. Digital India Programme Completes 11 Years with Focus on AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing: The Digital India Programme, launced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 July 2015, completed 11 years on 1 July 2026 and is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The programme aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, with an increased focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing. Digital India is built on three key visions: accessible and secure digital infrastructure for every citizen, on-demand digital government services, and promotion of digital literacy and universal digital access.

 

3. Ministry of Tourism Partners with Google India to Boost Tourism Through AI and Digital Technology: The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India to strengthen the digital promotion of India’s tourism destinations. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marking a significant step towards technology-driven tourism promotion. The partnership will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), data-driven insights, analytics, and Google’s digital platforms to enhance the global visibility of India’s tourism sector.

 

4. AICTE Closes 58 Engineering Colleges: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) closed 58 engineering and technical colleges during the 2025-26 academic year through a progressive closure process. Under this process, existing students can complete their degrees, while no new first-year admissions are permitted in the affected institutions. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra recorded 12 closures each as of 5-6 July 2026. Madhya Pradesh recorded eight closures, while Telangana and Punjab recorded four closures each during the same academic year. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan recorded three closures each. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu recorded two closures each, while Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Puducherry recorded one closure each. The closures were linked to low student enrolment, shortage of required faculty strength, non-compliance with AICTE infrastructure norms, and administrative or financial issues. Of the 58 institutions, three were government-aided and the remaining institutions were privately financed.

 

5. VB-GRAM G Scheme Gets First Instalment of ₹25,863 Crore: The Union Ministry of Rural Development released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the rural employment programme under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The release took place on 5 July 2026 through video conferencing from Bhopal, and the Act came into effect across rural India on 1 July 2026. The revised wage structure under VB-GRAM G fixed an interim base wage rate of ₹300 per day from 1 July 2026. The national average daily wage increased by ₹28.6 to ₹327.4 per day, compared with ₹298.8 under MGNREGA. The funding pattern under the scheme follows a 60:40 Centre-State ratio for most States and a 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan States. An interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore has been made for States and Union Territories for wage payments and works under the new framework.

 

6. India Launches First Greenfield Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra district, Rajasthan, on 4 July 2026. The project is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Government of Rajasthan, with equity shares of 74% and 26% respectively. The Pachpadra complex has been developed with an investment of more than ₹79,450 crore. The refinery has a refining capacity of 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum and a petrochemical production capacity of 2.4 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum. A greenfield project is a new industrial facility built on undeveloped land. The complex includes a crude oil refinery and petrochemical units in one integrated industrial site. The petrochemical output is linked to downstream industries such as plastics, polymers, and chemical processing. The project is planned as an anchor for a Petrochemical and Plastic Park in the region.

 

7. Gujarat Revises Land Compensation Policy : Gujarat revised its land compensation policy for electricity transmission towers and power lines in 2026. The policy applies to farmers whose land is used for power transmission projects and to projects that are still under execution. The revised policy replaces the jantri-based system, which used circle rates, with compensation fixed at twice the prevailing market value of the land. The policy covers land used for transmission towers and the Right of Way corridor for overhead lines. Compensation for the Right of Way corridor will be linked to the committee’s assessment. Farmers in rural areas will receive 30% of the market value, municipal areas will receive 45%, and municipal corporation areas will receive 60%. The compensable area for transmission towers has been increased by one metre on all four sides of the tower base.

 

8. Maharashtra Bans Energy Drinks Near Schools: Maharashtra announced a ban on the sale of Sting energy drinks and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools across the state on 3 July 2026. The restriction was announced in the Vidhan Sabha during the monsoon session by the Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal. The order covers sales near schools and directs the Food and Drug Administration to take immediate action against violators. Schools have been asked to conduct awareness programmes on the health risks linked with energy drinks, which often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde stated on 3 July 2026 that manufacturers have been instructed to stop mislabelling products as energy drinks. The state also plans a statewide campaign against harmful energy drinks, flavoured tobacco products, and food adulteration, along with new food testing laboratories.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Hosts BRICS Anti-Drugs Meeting in Guwahati: India is hosting the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting in Guwahati, Assam, on 6-7 July 2026. The meeting is organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau under the Union Home Ministry and brings together anti-drug agencies from the expanded BRICS grouping. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping that originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The expanded BRICS grouping includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting is a platform for cooperation among national drug-control institutions. The agenda includes intelligence sharing, operational coordination, capacity building and institutional cooperation among member states.

 

2. OPEC+ Approves 188,000 Bpd Oil Output Hike: OPEC+ agreed on 5 July 2026 to raise its collective oil production ceiling by 188,000 barrels per day for August. The decision was taken by seven core members of the alliance during an online ministerial meeting. OPEC+ is a grouping of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers that coordinates oil output policy. The seven core members involved in the August decision were Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. The August increase forms part of a phased rollback of a 1.65 million barrels per day supply cut agreed in 2023. After the August hike, about 379,000 barrels per day of the original 2023 cuts will still remain to be restored to the market.

 

3. Scientists Create New Exotic Quantum State: Physicists at the University of Innsbruck created a new exotic form of matter called a fractional Fermi sea on 3 July 2026. The experiment used about 70,000 cesium atoms cooled to a few nanoKelvin and confined in one-dimensional tubes with repeated interaction cycles. Researchers at the University of Innsbruck, with theoretical physicist Alvise Bastianello of CNRS and Université Paris-Dauphine, reported the deliberate creation of fractional Fermi seas on 29 June 2026. Their work linked the state to behaviour beyond Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid theory, which describes interacting particles in one dimension. On 6 June 2026, researchers at the University Of Chicago Pritzker School Of Molecular Engineering proposed a theoretical method for generating and controlling entangled quantum states. The study was published in Physical Review X and was connected with quantum sensing and quantum computing. On 4 May 2026, a study led by Cal Poly Physics Department Lecturer Ian Powell and student researcher Louis Buchalter examined time-varying magnetic fields and new stable forms of matter. The work appeared in Physical Review B.

 

4. Bihar Banyan Tree Named World’s Oldest Accurately Dated: A banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) in Munger, Bihar, has been identified as the world’s oldest accurately dated banyan tree. Scientists estimated its age at about 700 years through high-precision radiocarbon dating of alpha-cellulose from wood samples. The tree stands on the Indian Tobacco Company campus in Munger and has been linked to the historic Burra Bunglow area. The study used radiocarbon dating, a method that measures the decay of carbon-14 in organic material and is used in archaeology, geology, and palaeosciences. Tropical broadleaf trees such as banyans usually do not form distinct annual growth rings, which makes conventional dendrochronology difficult. The use of alpha-cellulose from wood samples provides a more precise material for radiocarbon analysis in long-lived trees.

 

5. India Designates 23 JeM and LeT Operatives as Terrorists: On 4 July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs designated 23 Pakistan-based operatives linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The designation was made under Section 35 of the Act, which allows the Central Government to add names to the Fourth Schedule of the UAPA. The list includes operatives associated with JeM and LeT, both of which are Pakistan-based terrorist organisations active in Jammu and Kashmir. Among the named persons are Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, Mohammad Mussadiq alias Doctor, and Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan alias Abu Saad from JeM, along with Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, and Rana Iftikhar linked to LeT. Masood Ilyas Kashmiri is based in Rawalkot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Mohammad Mussadiq alias Doctor is linked to infiltration operations and drone-based arms supply across the border. Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan alias Abu Saad is linked to the 29 November 2016 attack on an Indian Army camp in Nagrota, Jammu.

 

6. Modified UDAN Scheme Expands Regional Air Connectivity: The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme for a ten-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with a total outlay of Rs. 28,840 crore. The scheme continues the UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, framework for regional air connectivity in India. The modified scheme proposes 200 modern helipads for remote and difficult terrain. This component carries an investment of Rs. 3,661 crore over eight years. Viability Gap Funding support of more than Rs. 10,000 crore will continue for airlines. The subsidy window under the scheme extends from three years to five years. The initiative includes indigenous aircraft and helicopters such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms. These platforms are linked with the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework for domestic capability in aviation. The scheme targets the development of 100 existing airstrips into UDAN airports. The planned investment for this component is over Rs. 12,000 crore. An additional Rs. 2,500 crore has been earmarked for operations and maintenance support for regional airports during their initial years of operation.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sudarshini Reaches New York for Sail4th 250: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship, arrived in New York Harbor on 4 July 2026 for the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations. The three-masted barque is berthed at Brooklyn and is part of a 10-month transoceanic expedition named Lokayan 2026. Sail4th 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. The events in New York are scheduled from 4 July to 8 July 2026, and public viewing of tall ships is planned from 5 July to 8 July 2026. INS Sudarshini participated in SAIL 250 events in Norfolk and Baltimore before reaching New York. The ship sailed along the Hudson River during the Parade of Sail and flew the Indian Tricolour. The visit is linked with maritime cooperation, international goodwill, and engagement with partner navies. Lokayan 2026 is a 10-month transoceanic expedition.

 

2. Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹52,000 Crore Purchases: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore on 3 July 2026. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement and is chaired by the Defence Minister. The Defence Acquisition Council was set up after the Kargil War to speed up defence procurement and reduce delays in acquisition. It deals with capital purchases such as weapons, platforms, sensors, and support systems for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Acceptance of Necessity, or AoN, is the first formal approval in the defence procurement process under the Defence Acquisition Procedure. It permits the services to begin the next stages of tendering, technical evaluation, and contract finalisation for capital acquisition proposals.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Stan Wawrinka Announces Retirement After Illustrious Tennis Career: Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has announced that he will retire from professional tennis after a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years on the ATP Tour. Wawrinka won three Grand Slam singles titles—the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open—cementing his place among tennis greats. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Doubles alongside Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Hayabusa2 Performs Torifune Asteroid Flyby: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft performed a high-speed flyby of asteroid Torifune, also called 2001 CC21, on 5 July 2026. The spacecraft passed at about 800 metres from the asteroid’s centre and moved at around 5 kilometres per second relative to the asteroid. Hayabusa2 is a Japanese sample-return spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The probe completed its primary mission in 2020 by returning samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth. It is now operating on an extended mission with additional asteroid encounters. Asteroid Torifune has the designation 2001 CC21. Its estimated diameter is about 450 to 500 metres. The flyby enabled observations of the asteroid’s surface, structure, and temperature. JAXA confirmed that the spacecraft remained in normal condition at 6:35 p.m. Japan Standard Time on 5 July 2026.

 

2. ISRO Conducts First SOLVE Ground Test for Gaganyaan: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the first ground test of the solid motor for the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on 3 July 2026 at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. SOLVE is a compact test vehicle developed for integrated parachute tests for the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module. SOLVE stands for Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments. It is designed to carry the crew module to an altitude of 10 to 17 km, after which the module separates and a sequence of 10 parachutes deploys for descent before splashdown in the sea. The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Strap-on Motor. The modified configuration includes a slow burn-rate propellant and a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.

 

3. Indian scientists develop placenta-on-chip platform: Indian researchers from Mumbai have developed a lab-grown placenta-on-chip platform that recreates key placental functions. The device is linked to pregnancy research, drug testing, and reduced dependence on animal models in biomedical studies. The work involves IIT Bombay and the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, also known as NIRRCH, in Parel, Mumbai. The project includes Prof. Abhijit Majumder from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Debjani Paul from the School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, and Dr. Deepak Modi from NIRRCH. The devices were built using photolithography and soft lithography, which are standard fabrication methods in microengineering. The platform is designed to mimic the placenta as a gatekeeper that controls nutrient transfer and blocks harmful substances. The models are also intended for testing medicines for the pharmaceutical industry and for studying pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PayGlocal Launches Google Pay Card Payments for International Transactions : PayGlocal, India’s leading cross-border payments platform, has launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway, becoming one of the first payment platforms in India to enable Google Pay for international transactions. With Apple Pay already available on its gateway, PayGlocal now enables Indian merchants to reach over one billion customers across key global markets, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and Western Europe. Google Pay supports transactions in 86+ countries and 60+ currencies, allowing global customers to make single-tap payments in their local currency, thereby simplifying international checkout for Indian merchants.

 

2. Kotak Mahindra Bank to Acquire Deutsche Bank India’s Retail and Wealth Business: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) has announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s retail banking, private banking, and wealth management business for ₹281.7 crore. The acquisition is expected to be completed by September 2027, strengthening Kotak Mahindra Bank’s presence in the retail and wealth management segments.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maruti Suzuki Inaugurates Mega Vehicle Manufacturing Plant at IMT Kharkhoda, Haryana: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. inaugurated its state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility at IMT Kharkhoda, Haryana, marking one of India’s largest automobile production investments. The facility was jointly dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, highlighting the strong India–Japan industrial partnership. The plant has an initial annual production capacity of 5 lakh vehicles, expandable to 10 lakh vehicles, with a planned investment of ₹35,000 crore.

 

2. 3 July – National Fried Clam Day: National Fried Clam Day is observed every year on 3 July to celebrate one of the most popular seafood delicacies, fried clams. The day recognizes the popularity of crispy, deep-fried clams, a traditional coastal dish that is especially famous in the United States, particularly in New England.

 

3. UIDAI Enables Aadhaar Email Update Through App: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) enabled residents to add or update email IDs in Aadhaar through the Aadhaar mobile application on 1 July 2026. The facility is free of cost for six months, up to 31 December 2026, and it removes the need to visit Aadhaar enrolment or update centres for email changes. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Email ID is one of the demographic details linked with Aadhaar, along with name, address, date of birth, gender, and mobile number. The Aadhaar mobile application is available on Android through the Google Play Store and on Apple iOS through the App Store. The app also supports other update-related services, including mobile number and address updates, subject to UIDAI rules and verification requirements.

 

4. CCRAS Launches Three Research Initiatives: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launched three research initiatives on 3 July 2026 during its 5th Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and the initiatives relate to evidence-based Ayurveda research, scientific writing, and digital access to research resources. One initiative was the release of a Research Methodology textbook under the Ayurved Prabodhini Granthamala series. The textbook was prepared by 50 research scientists and faculty members. It aligns with the Outcome-Based Dynamic Curriculum prescribed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine for postgraduate and doctoral Ayurveda education.

 

5. Delhi Launches Delhi Next Civic-Tech Innovation Programme: Delhi launched the ‘Delhi Next – Code, Create and Change’ programme on 2 July 2026 as a civic-tech innovation initiative for government departments in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The programme plans to pilot 60 projects for urban problem-solving through technology-based solutions. The initiative brings together students, start-ups, researchers, educational institutions, and innovators for technology-led solutions to civic issues. More than 2.5 lakh participants registered for the programme, and the outreach campaign reached over one crore young people across the country. An expert committee examined more than 5,000 technical proposals and shortlisted 1,000 participants for the next stage. The final 60 teams presented live demonstrations before the Chief Minister.

 

6. Government Orders Removal of BAT-BMS App: The BAT-BMS app is a mobile application linked to Battery Management Systems for lithium-ion batteries. On 2 July 2026, the Delhi Transport Minister directed the Transport Department to verify claims about the app after videos showed its use in disabling e-rickshaws through Bluetooth access. The BAT-BMS app was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, a Chinese company. A Battery Management System, or BMS, monitors battery functions such as charge level, voltage, and temperature in lithium-ion batteries. Bluetooth-enabled BMS units can connect to mobile devices within a short range. In the reported case, the range mentioned was about 15 metres, and the discharge function of some e-rickshaw batteries was switched off remotely. As of 3 July 2026, the BAT-BMS app had been removed from Apple’s App Store and remained available on Google Play. The app was originally designed as a monitoring tool for battery data rather than for vehicle immobilisation.

 

7. Gujarat Sets Up Semiconductor Training Hub at IIT Gandhinagar: Project SAMARTH, or the Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Research and Training Hub, is being established at IIT Gandhinagar in Gujarat with a total budget of ₹190 crore. Work on the training facility began on 2 March 2026, and the centre is linked to semiconductor manufacturing, research, and skill development. The centre is designed to train technicians, operators, and engineers for semiconductor manufacturing plants. It also aims to support indigenous research and development, develop niche devices and processes, and create process tools. The facility is intended to make engineering students fab-ready through practical exposure to semiconductor manufacturing systems. IIT Gandhinagar has begun procuring advanced equipment and appointing consultants for the centre.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Represents at Funeral of Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain represented India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. They paid their respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, was laid to rest.

 

2. 2 July – World Sports Journalists Day: World Sports Journalists Day is observed every year on 2 July to recognize the contribution of sports journalists in promoting sports and delivering accurate sports coverage. Theme 2026 – Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact The day commemorates the establishment of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on 2 July 1924 during the Paris Olympics.

 

3. Global Biofuel Alliance Selects 15 Researcher Fellows: The Global Biofuels Alliance inducted 15 early-career researchers as the first cohort of Global Biofuel Champion Fellows on 30 June 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Each fellow will receive a research grant of up to US$15,000 and will serve as a GBA Ambassador for two years. The fellows were selected through a multi-stage international evaluation process from applicants across 32 countries. The selected researchers are associated with institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Manchester, Monash University, Polytechnique Montréal, the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and IIT Madras. The Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship is a programme for early-career researchers in biofuels. It aims to support biofuel innovation, research-driven solutions, and leadership development in the biofuels sector.

 

4. What is username issue around Whatsapp, Telegram and Signal apps?: On 2 July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to Telegram and Signal over their username features. The action followed a notice issued to WhatsApp on 1 July 2026 on its proposed username feature. Username features allow users to connect on messaging platforms without sharing their phone numbers. Such features are used in Telegram, Signal and other internet-based messaging applications that support account discovery through public handles. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked both platforms to explain their existing username systems and the safeguards used against fraud and impersonation. The government has linked anonymous contact features with online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.

 

5. UNESCO Warns Pakistan Over Taxila Restoration Work : Pakistan faced a UNESCO warning on 2 July 2026 over restoration work at two sites in the Taxila World Heritage complex, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. UNESCO asked Pakistan to reverse the reported reconstructions and sought documentation on the conservation work at the ancient Buddhist and urban archaeological sites. Taxila is an archaeological site in Punjab, Pakistan, and it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. The complex includes remains from the Gandhara civilisation, which flourished between the 6th century BCE and the 5th century CE in parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mohra Moradu is a Buddhist monastic site within Taxila, and Sirkap is an ancient city site associated with Indo-Greek and later Kushan phases. Both sites contain stone structures, walls, stupas, and settlement remains that are studied for ancient urban planning and Buddhist architecture.

 

6. India Unveils First Made-in-India EXIM Shipping Container: India unveiled its first EXIM-grade shipping container on 3 July 2026 at the Maersk-CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the container, which was manufactured by DCM Shriram Group. EXIM stands for export-import, and EXIM containers are used for international cargo movement by sea, rail, and road. Shipping containers are standardised metal boxes designed for intermodal transport, and common sizes are measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs. The India-made container complies with ISO specifications and the International Convention for Safe Containers, known as CSC. ISO standards for containers cover dimensions, strength, handling, and stacking requirements, while CSC is an international treaty that sets safety rules for container use in global transport.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Ships Arrive in Singapore to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet ships Udaygiri, Kavaratti, and Shakti arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore as part of the Navy’s ongoing operational deployment in the South East Asia Region. The visit highlights the strong and long-standing ties between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

 

2. Indian Navy Deploys P-8I for RIMPAC 2026: The Indian Navy has deployed a P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th edition of the biennial naval exercise and is being held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from June 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. RIMPAC stands for Rim of the Pacific and is a multinational naval exercise hosted by the US Pacific Fleet. The 2026 edition involves about 30 to 31 nations, around 30 to 40 surface ships, five submarines, over 140 to 206 aircraft, and about 25,000 to 30,000 personnel. The P-8I is a maritime patrol aircraft built by Boeing for the Indian Navy. It is used for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and coordinated operations with partner navies. The aircraft is part of the P-8 Poseidon family, which is used by several navies for long-range sea patrol missions.

 

3. Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹52,000 Crore Purchases: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore on 3 July 2026. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement and is chaired by the Defence Minister. The Indian Army received approval for AKASH TARANG anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle electronic warfare systems, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile weapon systems, Very Short Range Air Defence System units, Active Protection Systems for tanks, and jet-based kamikaze drone systems. These systems belong to categories used for air defence, anti-armour warfare, and unmanned strike operations. The Indian Navy received approval for Multi Influence Ground Mines, Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems, and a Land Based Testing Facility for electric propulsion systems. The Indian Air Force received approval for Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites and related systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunications, and remote sensing.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Harshavardhan G.B. Becomes India’s 97th Grandmaster: Harshavardhan G.B. from Chennai became India’s 97th Grandmaster (GM) after achieving his final GM norm at the 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin Tournament in Chennai. He also crossed the 2500 FIDE Elo Rating, fulfilling the final requirement to earn the prestigious Grandmaster title.

 

2. Ancy Sojan Breaks 22-Year-Old National Record in Women’s Long Jump: Ancy Sojan created history by breaking Anju Bobby George’s 22-year-old National Record in the women’s long jump at the 2026 National Inter-State Athletics Championships. Ancy recorded a 6.88-metre jump, surpassing the previous National Record of 6.83 metres set by Anju Bobby George. The earlier record was set by Anju Bobby George at the 2004 Athens Olympics, while the 2026 National Inter-State Athletics Championships were held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

 

3. Stan Wawrinka Announces Retirement After Illustrious Tennis Career: Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has announced that he will retire from professional tennis after a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years on the ATP Tour. Wawrinka won three Grand Slam singles titles—the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open—cementing his place among tennis greats. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Doubles alongside Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Digital India Programme Completes 11 Years with Focus on AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing: The Digital India Programme, launced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 July 2015, completed 11 years on 1 July 2026 and is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The programme aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, with an increased focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing. Digital India is built on three key visions: accessible and secure digital infrastructure for every citizen, on-demand digital government services, and promotion of digital literacy and universal digital access.

 

2. Ministry of Tourism Partners with Google India to Boost Tourism Through AI and Digital Technology: The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India to strengthen the digital promotion of India’s tourism destinations. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marking a significant step towards technology-driven tourism promotion. The partnership will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), data-driven insights, analytics, and Google’s digital platforms to enhance the global visibility of India’s tourism sector.

3. Skyroot Aerospace Unveils Vikram-1, India’s First Privately Developed Orbital Rocket: Skyroot Aerospace has unveiled Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, named in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. The rocket’s maiden launch mission, named “Aagaman” (a Sanskrit word meaning “Arrival”), is scheduled to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. Vikram-1 is capable of placing satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), marking a major milestone for India’s private space sector.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Constitutes Expert Group to Review Debenture Trustees Regulations: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted an Expert Working Group to review and strengthen the regulatory framework governing debenture trustees under the SEBI (Debenture Trustees) Regulations, 1993. The Expert Working Group is chaired by Ananta Barua, former Whole-Time Member of SEBI, and co-chaired by Rajnish Kumar, former Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI).

 

2. PayGlocal Launches Google Pay Card Payments for International Transactions: PayGlocal, India’s leading cross-border payments platform, has launched Google Pay Card Payments on its International Payment Gateway, becoming one of the first payment platforms in India to enable Google Pay for international transactions. With Apple Pay already available on its gateway, PayGlocal now enables Indian merchants to reach over one billion customers across key global markets, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and Western Europe. Google Pay supports transactions in 86+ countries and 60+ currencies, allowing global customers to make single-tap payments in their local currency, thereby simplifying international checkout for Indian merchants.

 

3. Bank of Baroda and Mizuho Bank Forge Strategic Partnership for M&A Financing: Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Mizuho Bank, the banking arm of Mizuho Financial Group (Japan), have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) financing and related financial services. The partnership combines Mizuho’s global network and structured finance expertise with Bank of Baroda’s strong domestic presence, enabling joint origination, structuring, co-underwriting, syndication, and M&A advisory for cross-border transactions.

 

4. Kotak Mahindra Bank to Acquire Deutsche Bank India’s Retail and Wealth Business: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) has announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s retail banking, private banking, and wealth management business for ₹281.7 crore. The acquisition is expected to be completed by September 2027, strengthening Kotak Mahindra Bank’s presence in the retail and wealth management segments.

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd July, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre notifies minimum wage ₹300/day under VB-G RAM G: The Central Government has notified revised wage rates under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), which came into force on 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA. The national average daily wage has been increased to ₹327.4 from ₹298.8 under the repealed MGNREGA, reflecting an average hike of over 10%. A new interim base wage rate of ₹300 per day has been introduced, ensuring that no notified wage under the scheme falls below this level.

States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have recorded wage increases ranging between 15% and 25% under the revised rates.

 

2. Eight Traditional Products of Himachal Pradesh Receive GI Tag: Eight traditional products of Himachal Pradesh have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, recognising their unique origin, authenticity, and cultural heritage. With the latest additions, the total number of GI-tagged products from Himachal Pradesh has increased to 17, strengthening the state’s identity in traditional crafts and agricultural products. The newly GI-tagged products are: Seabuckthorn (Spiti), Salooni Safed Makka, Chamba Metal Art, Sirmauri Loiya, Kinnauri Topi, Sepuvadi, Kinnauri Apple, and Kinnauri Jewellery.

 

3. Odisha Launches ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’ Scheme to Promote Free Education: The Odisha Government has launched the ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’ Scheme, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to promote equitable access to education across the state. Under the scheme, eligible students will receive a complete waiver of admission fees, reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging higher enrolment. The initiative supports the Odisha Government’s vision of providing free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, ensuring inclusive and affordable education for all.

 

4. India’s Gross GST Collection Rises 13.9% to ₹1.95 Lakh Crore in June 2026: India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue increased by 13.9% year-on-year to ₹1.95 lakh crore (₹1,94,812 crore) in June 2026, compared to ₹1.71 lakh crore in June 2025. GST collections from domestic transactions rose 6.5% to ₹1,34,774 crore, while GST revenue from imports surged 34.6% to ₹60,038 crore, reflecting strong domestic demand and external trade.

 

5. IRDAI Grants Registration to Prudential HCL Health Insurance as Standalone Health Insurer: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has granted a Certificate of Registration to Prudential HCL Health Insurance to operate as a standalone health insurance company in India. Prudential HCL Health Insurance is a joint venture in which Prudential Plc holds a 70% stake, while the HCL Group holds the remaining 30% stake through Vama Sundari Investments. The approval was granted during IRDAI’s 136th meeting held on 29 June 2026. It is the third insurance entity to receive registration in 2026, taking the total number of standalone health insurers (SAHIs) in India to 8.

 

6. IFSCA Proposes ‘One KYC’ Framework for GIFT IFSC to Simplify Customer Onboarding: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has proposed a ‘One KYC’ framework for GIFT IFSC to simplify and streamline customer onboarding. Under the new framework, customers will need to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process only once, allowing the same verified KYC records to be used across multiple IFSCA-regulated financial entities. From 1 September 2026, all new customers in GIFT IFSC must be onboarded through the KYC Registration Agencies (KRA) system, while the KYC records of all existing active customers must be uploaded to the KRA by 30 October 2026.

 

7. Anupam Misra Takes Charge as CMD of Hindustan Copper Limited: Anupam Misra has assumed charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), succeeding Sanjiv Kumar Singh. Sanjiv Kumar Singh retired (superannuated) on June 30, after which Anupam Misra officially took over the leadership of HCL.

 

8. Government Extends Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s Tenure by One Year: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The extended tenure will be effective from 15 July 2026 to 14 July 2027, ensuring continuity in India’s diplomatic leadership.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HiWiPay Receives IFSCA In-Principle Approval to Set Up PSP Subsidiary at GIFT City: HiWiPay has received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to expand its operations in India’s international financial hub. The approval allows HiWiPay to establish a wholly owned Payment Services Provider (PSP) subsidiary at GIFT City (GIFT IFSC).

 

2. Somnath Ghosh Appointed as India’s Next High Commissioner to Malaysia: The Government of India has appointed Somnath Ghosh, a 1997-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as the next High Commissioner of India to Malaysia. Currently serving as the Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh is expected to assume his new diplomatic assignment in Malaysia shortly, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 

3. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Water Management Pact: India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 29 June 2026 for cooperation in water resource management. The pact was formalised during the inaugural Saudi Water Week conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Water resource management is the planning, development, distribution, and protection of water resources. It includes surface water, groundwater, irrigation systems, and water-use efficiency measures. Dr Suhel Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, signed the MoU. Fahad Suri, the Consul General of India in Jeddah, was present at the ceremony on 29 June 2026.

 

4. WHO Lists First Ebola Bundibugyo Diagnostic Test for Emergency Use: On 2 July 2026, the World Health Organization added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing. The test detects viral genetic material in blood samples and is designed for laboratory confirmation of infection. Bundibugyo virus is one of the species of the genus Ebolavirus and causes Ebola disease in humans. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 2007, and Bundibugyo ebolavirus is distinct from the Zaire ebolavirus strain used in many licensed Ebola therapeutics and diagnostic platforms. The Emergency Use Listing is a WHO procedure for assessing unlicensed medical products during public health emergencies. Molecular diagnostic tests for viral haemorrhagic fevers use nucleic acid detection methods, which identify pathogen RNA or DNA in clinical samples. The commonly used GeneXpert platform and several existing Ebola therapeutics are approved for the Zaire strain and do not effectively target Bundibugyo virus. The new test expands laboratory options for confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease in outbreak settings.

 

5. Japan Backs Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Target: Japan has reaffirmed cooperation for India to begin commercial operations on priority sections of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project by 2027. The 508-kilometre corridor uses Japanese Shinkansen technology and is planned to introduce E10 trains on the route. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, also called MAHSR, is India’s first bullet train project. It was launched in 2017 and connects Mumbai in Maharashtra with Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The first operational section is planned between Surat and Bilimora or between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat. This section is targeted for opening by 15 August 2027. Japan is financing 81% of the project cost of about US$17 billion through a 50-year loan at 0.1% interest. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, is the agency associated with the loan arrangement. The project uses Shinkansen technology, which is Japan’s high-speed railway system. E10 trains are planned for the corridor as part of the rolling stock plan.

 

6. Canada Cuts Super Visa Processing Time for Indians: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reduced the Super Visa processing time for Indian applicants to 50 days as of 3 July 2026. The earlier processing time was 66 days, and the reduction was 16 days. The 50-day timeline remained within the service standard of 112 days for Super Visa applications. The Super Visa is a Canadian long-stay visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows multiple entries and is distinct from a regular visitor visa, which is generally issued for shorter stays. Processing time refers to the period taken by an immigration authority to decide an application. A service standard is the target time set by an authority for processing a category of applications. For Indian Super Visa applicants, the current 50-day processing time is below the 112-day service standard used by IRCC.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. K9 Vajra-T Defence Cooperation: India and South Korea have expanded defence cooperation through the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer programme. The K9 Vajra-T is an Indian variant of the South Korean K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled tracked artillery gun. The K9 Vajra-T is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro under a technology transfer agreement with Hanwha Aerospace. The production facility is located at Hazira in Gujarat. The system includes at least 50-60% Indian components. The first contract for 100 K9 Vajra-T guns was signed in May 2017 for ₹4,500 crore. Deliveries were completed ahead of schedule in 2021. A second contract for 100 additional guns was signed in 2024 for ₹7,629 crore. A proposed order for 300 more guns is linked to a ₹23,000 crore modernisation programme.

 

2. Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹52,000 Crore Purchases: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore on 3 July 2026. The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement and is chaired by the Defence Minister. The Defence Acquisition Council was set up after the Kargil War to speed up defence procurement and reduce delays in acquisition. It deals with capital purchases such as weapons, platforms, sensors, and support systems for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Acceptance of Necessity, or AoN, is the first formal approval in the defence procurement process under the Defence Acquisition Procedure. It permits the services to begin the next stages of tendering, technical evaluation, and contract finalisation for capital acquisition proposals.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian soldiers win first World Rowing Cup gold: Indian soldiers Havildars Lakshay and Ujjwal Kumar Singh won India’s first gold medal at a World Rowing Cup on 27 June 2026. The medal came at World Rowing Cup Stage 3 in Lucerne, Switzerland, in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) event. The World Rowing Cup is an annual international rowing series organised by World Rowing, the international federation for the sport. The series includes multiple stages held at different venues, and athletes compete in boat classes such as single sculls, double sculls, and coxless fours. Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls, abbreviated as LM2x, is a rowing event in which two rowers compete in a sculling boat. In sculling, each rower uses two oars, and lightweight categories apply body-mass limits fixed by World Rowing regulations.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. HDFC Bank Launches In-House AI Platform ‘Neev’ and Real-Time Fraud Detection System: HDFC Bank has launched its in-house generative AI platform, Neev, along with a custom real-time fraud detection system to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve fraud prevention. By developing these technologies internally, HDFC Bank aims to reduce dependence on third-party vendors while tackling the growing threat of digital banking fraud and accelerating its technology-led transformation.

 

2. LMO Contactless Load Measurement System: India’s Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), provided financial assistance to Puretronics India Private Limited on 30 June 2026 for the commercialisation of its Load Magnetic Overload (LMO) Sensor. The company describes the LMO Sensor as India’s first fully contactless programmable load measurement system. The LMO system measures load through a non-contact magnetic sensing principle. Conventional load cells use mechanical strain gauges, while the LMO system uses magnetic sensors, digital signal processing, and programmable embedded electronics. The system is designed to measure load without direct mechanical contact with the sensing element. The technology is intended for elevators, cranes, hoists, material handling equipment, and cable machinery. These machines require load monitoring for operational control, weight measurement, and equipment management. The system also aims to reduce maintenance and calibration needs in industrial use.

 

3. Drugs Rules Amended for Cell and Gene Therapies: The Government of India amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, on 2 July 2026 through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The amendment, notified on 29 June 2026 and titled the Drugs (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2026, brings advanced cell and gene therapies under the Centrally License Approving Authority framework. The Drugs Rules, 1945, were framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs in India. The rules provide procedures for licensing, inspection, testing, labelling, and quality control of pharmaceutical products.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI Transactions Moderate to ₹28.9 Lakh Crore in June 2026, Register 20% Annual Growth: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions were valued at ₹28.9 lakh crore in June 2026, slightly lower than the record ₹29.9 lakh crore recorded in May 2026. In volume terms, UPI processed 22.72 billion transactions in June 2026, compared to 23.2 billion transactions in the previous month. Despite the monthly moderation, the value of UPI transactions recorded a 20% year-on-year growth, rising from ₹24.03 lakh crore in June 2025 to ₹28.9 lakh crore in June 2026.

 

2. Four Public Sector Banks Pay ₹9,439 Crore Dividend to Government for FY 2025–26: Four leading public sector banks—Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank—paid a combined dividend of ₹9,439 crore to the Government of India for FY 2025–26. The dividend cheques were presented to Nirmala Sitharaman. Among the four banks, Bank of Baroda paid the highest dividend of ₹2,811 crore, followed by Punjab National Bank (₹2,416 crore) and Canara Bank (₹2,397 crore). Indian Bank also contributed its dividend for FY 2025–26, reflecting the strong financial performance of India’s public sector banks.

 

3. RBI Appoints Ravi Shankar as Executive Director Effective July 1, 2026: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Ravi Shankar as its Executive Director with effect from 1 July 2026. Before his appointment, Ravi Shankar served as Adviser-in-Charge of the Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) and will continue to oversee the department as Executive Director.